A-70-038
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE FAA CONDUCT AN ANALYSIS OF THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM TO IDENTIFY CRITICAL PROCEDURES, PARTICULARLY IN GEOGRAPHIC AREAS WHERE LITTLE OR NO MARGIN FOR SAFETY EXISTS. THESE HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS SHOULD THEN BE ELIMINATED BY IMPLEMENTING SUITABLE CORRECTIVE ACTION, OR AT LEAST THE POTENTIAL DANGER COULD BE REDUCED BY ESTABLISHMENT OF VIGOROUS PROGRAMS TO EDUCATE CONTROLLERS AND PILOTS ALIKE TO THE PROBLEM. OBVIOUSLY, THE CONSTANTLY CHANGING ENVIRONMENT OF THE SYSTEM DICTATES THAT PERIODIC UPDATING OF THE ANALYSIS WOULD BE REQUIRED. THE BOARD ACKNOWLEDGES THAT SUCH AN ANALYSIS OF THE AIR TRAFFIC SYSTEM REPRESENTS A MAJOR CHALLENGE, AND IF A LACK OF METHODOLGY EXISTS ON HOW TO CONDUCT SUCH A STUDY, THEN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ON THE SUBJECT SHOULD BEGIN IMMEDIATELY.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The FAA is asked to perform an analysis of the air traffic control system to pinpoint critical procedures, especially in areas with minimal safety margin. These hazards should then be removed or mitigated through corrective measures or enhanced education for controllers and pilots. The recommendation also calls for periodic updates to the analysis and, if a methodology for such a study is lacking, immediate research and development.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Acceptable Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Aug 29, 1974 |
| NTSB number | LAX69A0058 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).